Hunt for rebels on after fresh ambush

From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 29): Hunt for rebels on after fresh ambush

TROOPS belonging to Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) launched on Wednesday a pursuit operation against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA), who attacked their men on August 27.

Killed in the attack was Matrinillo T. Enot, a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu), while wounded was Private First Class Calid B. Alo, both detailed at the Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion under the 10th Infantry Division.

Captain Alberto Caber, chief of Eastmincom's Public Information Office (PIO), in an email to Sun.Star Davao on Thursday, said the incident happened around 3 p.m. Tuesday on Km. 16 in Barangay Casoon in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

He said Enot and Alo, on board a motorcycle, where on their way back to their base camp when suspected communist rebels attacked them.

The NPA Comval Davao Gulf Sub Regional Command is believed to be behind the attack.

Lieutenant Colonel Elmer Aterado, chief of 25th Infantry Batallion, said Alo and Enot were in civilian clothes and unarmed when the rebels attacked them.

He added that such move is another deliberate violation against human rights committed by the NPA.

Aterado added that Enot succumbed to several gunshot wounds while Alo sustained to a gunshot wound on his left shoulder. Alo was brought to Tagum City Hospital for medical treatment.

"Our troops are simply protecting the community from illegal activities of the NPA such as extortion in the area. A joint military and police pursuit operation against the NPA is now ongoing," Aterado said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, Eastmincom commander, extended his sympathy to the bereaved family of Enot.

Cruz also directed all units under his command to remain vigilant in carrying out peace and development initiatives in the region.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/08/29/hunt-rebels-after-fresh-ambush-300426